A major aspect of synchronicity is paying attention to the animal totems that come into your life.

What is the meaning of the butterfly? Here’s what my research has found: In cultural myth and lore, the butterfly is honored as a symbol of transformation because of its impressive process of metamorphosis. Butterfly emphasizes the ability to move from one state, perspective, lifestyle to another, such as:

• Powerful transformation, metamorphosis in your life, personality
• Moving through different life cycles
• Renewal, rebirth
• Lightness of being, playfulness
• Elevation from earthly matters, tuning into emotional or spiritual
• The world of the soul, the psyche
• A secondary meaning of the butterfly is about finding joy in life and lightness of being.

From egg, to larvae (caterpillar), to pupa (the chrysalis or cocoon) and from the cocoon the butterfly emerges in her unfurling glory. What a massive amount of transition this tiny creature undergoes. Consider for a moment the kind of energy this expends. Imagine the whole of your life changing to such an extreme you are unrecognizable at the end of the transformation! This is the deepest symbolic lesson of the butterfly; she asks us to accept the changes in our lives as casually as she does. The butterfly unquestioningly embraces the chances of her environment and her body. This unwavering acceptance of her metamorphosis is also symbolic of faith. Here the butterfly beckons us to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives. She understands that our toiling, fretting and anger are useless against the turning tides of nature – she asks us to recognize the same. When the butterfly comes into your life, you may be going through or expect important changes in your life. More than changes in your environment, the transformation the butterfly totem points to are more internal: They could be related to your own perspective on a subject, aspects of your personality, or personal habits. Personal transformation is emblematic of the butterfly symbolism.

Butterfly is also a totem symbol of joy and lightness of being

When the butterfly shows up in your life as a spirit animal or totem, it might indicate the need to look at a conflicting situation with more lightness and different perspective. This totem animal is symbolic of lightness of being and elevation from the heaviness of tensions. This power animal invites those who have a connection with it to bring joy and bliss into their lives. Butterflies often have bright colors. By extension, they are associated with aliveness and brightness. The message of this totem animal is to lighten up and add more color to your life. Perhaps it’s time to express yourself more fully and show your colorful personality.

The Butterfly and the world of the Soul

In many traditions around the world, the butterfly is a symbol of the soul or soul world. For example, in Chinese symbology, it can represent immortality. For the Japanese, a white butterfly symbolizes the soul the departed ones. In Ancient Greece, butterflies represent the psyche or soul, and its attribute of immortality.

Calling the butterfly totem for support

The butterfly is a powerful animal to call when you need support in times of transition, whether it’s at work, in a relationship, or when you’re doing inner work. A great ally during intense periods of personal transformation, it will add ease and lightness to the process. This power animal is a good inspiration for adding more color into your life and self-expression. Those who have the butterfly as a totem animal may be naturally inclined to express themselves openly, to reflect their colors into their environment.

On a personal note…

Butterflies underscore the significance of synchronicity in our lives (meaningful coincidence). In my experience butterfly has come to be a very important symbol representing a cycle of coming into wholeness. This includes the significance and importance of taking time out to be still and ask what is the deeper meaning in my life, to pay attention to? It also signifies a time of honoring the successes I’ve had, and to absorb and accept the personal sovereignty that I may or may not be aware of. Too often we can approach life from a place of striving but not arriving…. Butterfly comes in to celebrate with us, the importance of honoring and owning our personal power, the joy of living in the moment and our connection to the divine. Butterfly is a clear message of soul growth and confirmation that you are on the right path in listening to your intuition. In fact, Butterfly has come into your life to help you hold the sacredness of who you are and your deepest life purpose.  It is a time of sweet reflection and mindfulness.

To understand more on butterfly, synchronicity, mindfulness, and your Hero’s Journey – arrange a complimentary 15 minute phone session with Cheryl, or attend a workshop to honour this beautiful creature coming into your life! Contact us here for more information.